FOLLOWING a training session at Shaw Cross Sharks ARLFC Team Manager Carl Sanderson has named whittled the squad down to fifteen to represent holders BARLA at the MX9's which will be staged at the London Skolars New River Stadium on Sunday 26th August.

The assembled squad is a combination of the BARLA Open Age side which toured South Africa and the U/23 side which toured Italy and will be captained by John McMullen of Wigan St Judes who led the side and lifted the trophy last year.

Team Manager Carl Sanderson said: "We have cut the squad down to fifteen after discussions with the coaches and I am confident that the selected players will not let the country down at this prestigious tournament.

"We have been made favourites by others to retain the trophy we won last year which is disrespectful to the other sides taking part. We have been drawn at the group stages with Serbia and the Great Britain Students, and it will be a tough group to emerge from.

"The lads will have on be on the top of their game from the off although we don't which side we will be drawn to play first. It's important to get off to a good start and go from there. All the teams will up their game against us and we have to be ready for every eventuality.

" All the players have been on tour in the close season and it's now time for them to step up to the mark for the next twelve months and for players to force their way into the open age squad when the play the Great Britain Students in the Skanska Cup next month.

"We are looking forward to performing at the MX9's and hope that there will be a big crowd at the event cheering us on to finish off a perfect Wembley weekend for everyone."

The full Squad: John McMullen (Capt), Wigan St Judes; Matt Jefferson, Barrow Island; Paul Brown, Castleford Panthers; Ryan Robb, Kells; Scott O'Brien, Leigh Miners Rangers; Mark Ashton, Pilkington Recs; Lee Maskill, Sharlston Rovers; Danny Smith, Shaw Cross Sharks; Matt Danville, Skirlaugh; Trevor Penrose, Skirlaugh; Scott Woodcock, Thornhill Trojans; Tim Sutcliffe, West Bowling; Mike Caville, West Hull; Kevin Brown, Eastmoor Dragons; Mike Brown, Eastmoor Dragons.

Officials: Carl Sanderson, Team Manager; John Fieldhouse, Coach; Kevin Thompson, Ass Coach; Danny Bolton, Ass Coach; James Milner, Physio; Dave Coates, Equipment Manager; Steve Manning, BARLA Media Manager & PRO.